Research, Commercialisation & Startup Fund (RCSF)

RCSF supports researchers, entrepreneurs and businesses to accelerate their progress with funding from the South Australian Government.

The $28M Department for Industry and Skills (DIS) Research, Commercialisation and Startup Fund (RCSF) is to contribute to economic growth by supporting collaboration between enterprise, researchers and universities and the commercialisation of new products and services, building research and research infrastructure capability in South Australia through increased investment and encourage the establishment and growth of startups.

The RCSF comprises three competitive funding streams.

  • Stream 1: Strategic research initiatives*

    Supports research initiatives that will create innovative solutions or translate research into industry or commercial outcomes that address economy-wide challenges for South Australia. This could include (but is not limited to):

    • Initiatives that leverage investment to build R&D capabilities in South Australia from Commonwealth Government programs such as (but not limited to) the Cooperative Research Centre program, Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence program, Medical Research Future Fund Initiatives and Australian Renewable Energy Agency grants.
    • Initiatives that leverage investment into South Australia from national research organisations including (but not limited to): Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO), Defence Science and Technology Group and Rural Research and Development Corporations (e.g. Grains Research and Development Corporation).
    • Support for consortia to address research challenges of strategic importance and critical need for South Australia.
    • Supporting research into the South Australian financial services sector (and encouraging interdisciplinary research); assisting the development of new financial services, technologies and products.
    • Novel research translation and commercialisation initiatives or platforms.

    Bid or grant application support is ineligible for funding through this stream.

    Applicants will need to provide matched funding at least equal to the grant amount sought from the RCSF. In-kind funding may be considered as matched funding, but preference will be given to proposals that include a financial contribution.

    Calls for proposals to address specific initiatives will be announced with details of timing and funding to be specified with each round. Further requirements for funding including the amount of funding available will be detailed in each call for proposals.

    Funding & eligibility
    • Minimum grant: $50,000
    • Maximum grant: $2,000,000
    • Maximum project duration: Four years
    • Matching funding requirements
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  • Stream 2: Startup & early stage company incentive

    Provides entrepreneurs with funding to start and scale their innovative early-stage business.

    Funding & eligibility
    • Grant amount: minimum $100,001 up to $1,000,000
    • Matched funding: 1:1 (at least 50% provided by investors)
    • Applicant: founder and investor(s)
    • Sub-stream specific criteria: signed investor agreement
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  • Stream 3: Entrepreneurship & innovation ecosystem initiatives*

    Supports programs, events and activities that have broad benefit to the startup community.

    Funding & eligibility
    • Minimum grant: $20,000
    • Maximum grant: $500,000
    • Maximum project duration: 3 years
    • Matched funding: determined on a case-by-case basis
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* Stream 1 and 3 - calls for proposals to address specific initiatives will be announced with details of timing and funding to be specified from time to time. Funding is awarded on a competitive basis.

Eligible applicants must be a South Australian-based legal entity that is one of the following:

  • Business (including not-for-profits)
  • Business / industry association
  • University
  • Independent research institute
  • State Government research institute

Applicants must be financially viable, registered for GST and have an Australian Business Number. If located outside South Australia, there may be special circumstances which merit consideration of the applicant and there is a commitment to relocate and maintain the relevant enterprise (in whole or part) in South Australia.

Eligible proposals include:

  • Initiatives that provide innovative solutions or translate research into commercial outcomes that address economy-wide challenges for the State.
  • Initiatives that increase the level of national funding for South Australian research and research infrastructure.
  • Research collaborations that result in new financial services technologies or products.
  • Initiatives that support the establishment and growth of startups to scale-ups.
  • Initiatives that encourage and promote investment into South Australia’s startup and entrepreneurship ecosystem.
  1. Applicants to all streams should submit an expression of interest to the Department using their online form.
  2. If you are submitting an expression of interest for stream 1 – please also send an email to seapgrants@adelaide.edu.au with your project title and lead investigator name and the purpose of your funding request.
  3. If you receive an indication from the Department that you should complete a full application, and you wish to apply for University co-funding, please follow the instructions on our website.

 

Key dates
Activity Research Services DIS
STREAM 1
Strategic research initiatives		 2 weeks prior to intended submission date Ongoing
STREAM 2
Startup and early stage company incentive		 Not managed through Research Services Contact RCSFcontact@sa.gov.au
STREAM 3
Entrepreneurship and innovation ecosystem initiatives		 Not managed through Research Services Contact RCSFcontact@sa.gov.au